What Truly Matters is Being Grateful

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for the birthday card. It arrived just in time, and it means a lot to me that you remembered. This year’s birthday was quieter than usual, but your card brought a smile to my face. I hope you are both doing well. I miss you both so much. I miss our family dinners every Sunday night at 6 p.m. and dad’s cheesy jokes. They always managed to make me laugh. You both have always been here for me, and there have been times I know I was a difficult child and stressed you out. I am so grateful to have had you both as my parents. I love you both. Mom, I miss when we would sit on our old patio swing and stare up at the stars together. Dad, I miss our morning bike rides and us trying to beat each other in a race.

Love,

Bubbles (Michelle)

Dear Erica,

Thank you so much for coming over last weekend. It was great to catch up; it feels like we haven’t missed a day. We just picked up right where we left off. I needed the distraction, and you always know how to make things feel normal. I am sorry, I wasn’t my usual self. Things have been rough for me lately. I just want you to know how much I appreciate your friendship; it means the world to me, especially during times like these. 15 years of friendship really fly by, doesn’t it? Thank you again for bringing me out of my shell and protecting me from the bullies back in fifth grade. I love you.

Love,

Michelle

Dear Dr. Wong,

Thank you for your patience and understanding during our last appointment. I know I haven’t been the easiest patient lately. The news about the progression has been hard to digest. Your kindness, optimism, and generosity have helped me more than you know. I’m trying to stay positive, but some days it feels impossible. Thank you for taking the time to sit with me and explain everything while being patient as I lashed out. You explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and answered all the questions I had. I appreciate you guiding me through this.

Sincerely,

Michelle

Dear Noah,

Thank you for the beautiful orchids and the red teddy bear you sent me last week. They brightened up my room more than words can describe. I am so sorry for canceling our plans again. I can’t even begin to imagine how frustrating that is for you. I hate letting you down; I just feel like I am letting everyone I care about down lately. I hope you know that I love you and that I will always love you, no matter what happens. Your support and love mean everything to me. You are a bright star and will go so far in life. I can still remember when we first met back in our junior year of high school in the music room. Your playing of the clarinet was beautiful and brought me to tears. I am your number one fan, and I just wish you saw yourself the same way that I do. You are the love of my life, and I am so glad we met.

Love,

Your Honey Buns

Dear Mrs. Roberts,

Thank you for your thoughtful letter. I cried when I read all the wonderful things you wrote. Receiving it took me back to my school days in your English class. You always had such a talent for words, and your encouragement meant a lot to me back then. I always looked forward to going to your class because your passion for your students and your teaching were inspirational. Thank you for making time for me after class to discuss my assignments, listening to me when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do after high school, and mentoring me. I’m writing more every day, just like you encouraged me to do.

Warm regards,

Your protegee

Dear Grandma,

Thank you for the stories you sent. Reading about all the adventures you had and how you met Grandpa always makes me feel closer to you. I know where I got my love of story-telling from; thank you for that, grandma. I wish I could come visit you and hear these stories in person. To be able to sit in your kitchen and watch you bake chocolate chip cookies, for you to let me lick the batter and whisper in my ear not to tell my parents that you let me do that. Your strength, resilience, and optimism are an inspiration to me. I’m trying so hard to be strong too, but it’s hard not to feel scared for what’s to come. You are a role model to me, grandma, and I love you. I also miss your long, squeezing hugs.

Love,

Your peanut

Dear Alex,

Ah, my brother from another mother. Thank you for the playlist you made for me. The music helped me get through another sleepless night. I am grateful for our friendship, even though it didn’t start out on the right foot. When we met back in junior high, you and I had a strong mutual dislike for one another. It wasn’t until we had science class together and the teacher made us lab partners that I realized just how cool you are. We bonded over our mutual love of music and reading and our mutual dislike of math. You always seem to know exactly what I need without me saying a word. You are my best friend, and I am so glad you are in my life.

Love,

Your sister from another mister

Dear Jasmine,

Thank you for the cozy green blanket you knitted for me. I sleep with it every night. It is so soft, and it smells like vanilla. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I am grateful that you are in my life. Anyway, I love curling up in it and picking out a book to read while sipping on a cup of hot tea. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch as often as I would like. It’s hard to talk about how I am really feeling. Your gift is a comfort on the hardest days.

Love,

Michelle

Dear Team at Work,

Thank you for the thoughtful card and care package. I miss being part of the daily hustle and catching up with all of you during the morning meeting. Working from home is lonelier than I anticipated, and I miss the camaraderie we shared in the office. Tell big boss Jack I say hello and thanks for the neck pillow. Your words of encouragement mean a lot to me.

Best,

Michelle

Dear Aunt Susan and Cousin Claire,

Thank you both for the care package of books. The books I have read so far out of that care package have been fantastic. I still have about 12 to go out of the 25 you both sent. I’ve been reading them and getting lost in their pages whenever I need an escape. You both have always known my taste in books better than anyone. If you were to ask me which is my favorite, I couldn’t even pick just one. I miss being able to sit with you both and have a long chat over all things books. Our talks always made everything seem more manageable. I appreciate you both checking up on my parents and supporting them during this difficult time.

With love,

Michelle

Dear Oliver,

Thank you for visiting me last Wednesday and bringing me a sweatshirt from my favorite band, The Puddles. I am sorry I got so emotional. It’s hard to keep up the facade all the time. Your understanding and compassion as you just sat next to me, comforting me, was the sweetest thing. I know I haven’t always been the best older sister, and our relationship has had its struggles with our seven-year age difference. I am sorry for not being a better role model and a better sister. I am so proud of the young man you have become and for getting into medical school. Please go visit mom and dad when you can; they miss you.

Love,

Michee

Dear Book Club,

Thank you so much for including me in your discussions, even when I don’t have much to contribute. Reading is still my escape from the difficulties of life, and hearing all your perspectives helps me to see things differently. One of my favorite things about this book club is that the books that are chosen are ones I might not read myself. I am so grateful for the shared passion that unites us and the people I have met here.

Warm wishes,

Michelle

Dear Future Self,

Thank you for holding on. I know it is hard right now, and it feels like the darkness will never lift. There are so many people who love and support you; you are not alone. They believe in you, and it is okay to lean on them. It’s okay to show weakness; there is nothing wrong with that. Remember how important it is to find joy in the little things and cherish every moment because every moment counts. You’ve been through so much already, and I am so proud of you. Everything you are going through right now could easily help someone else who is in the same situation. Please do not allow your diagnosis to become your identity as I have let it become mine. When I first got the prognosis, I felt so helpless and scared. I was also angry at myself for getting it and not taking care of myself better. My confidence, my self-esteem and how I viewed my body was negatively changed. This has been the worst experience of my life. Nights were the worst, laying there with my thoughts and fears bombarding me. Every morning waking up thinking all this is a bad dream, but eventually realizing it is not a bad dream. Lean into God more.

With hope,

26-year-old Michelle

Dear Hospice Team,

Thank you for the care and compassion you have shown me during this incredibly difficult time. Your dedication makes this time more bearable. I appreciate everything you have done, from managing my pain to listening when I need to talk. Thank you for also giving me these pads of paper, pens, and envelopes so I can write these notes.

Sincerely,

Michelle

Dear Pastor David,

Thank you for all your prayers and the comforting messages you’ve been sending. Thank your pastoral team for their prayers as well. It has been very hard lately for me to want to spend time reading the Word of God or even talking to God because my thoughts are racing a million miles a minute. I have so many questions, such as “why did this happen to me?” and I want answers. All I know is that I want my relationship with God to keep growing, but I have no idea how to do that. I remember you once reminding me of a few Scriptures, such as 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:25, and Philippians 4:6. I am so grateful to be part of a wonderful church that teaches the Word of God, you and the pastoral staff, as well as the friendships I have made. I feel less isolated because I know I am part of a community of people who have similar beliefs as me and that they are all praying for me.

Warmly,

Michelle

Dear God,

I know I am a sinner, and I just wanted to apologize for not coming to you sooner. I am sorry for not spending time in your Word or praying to you. Finding out I have stage four lung cancer that has spread to my brain and bones has really been testing me and my faith in you. You know the questions I have for you, and I know that, just like with Job, you do not have to answer them. I come before you on my knees, broken in spirit with a contrite heart. You see everything, and I only see what’s in front of me. I know I need to trust you and your plan for my life, but it is hard at times. I am sorry for doubting you and being so impatient with you. Thank you for all the people you have placed in my life, for giving me all these years, the strength to write these notes and for another day. You are our fortress, strength, rock, Father and redeemer. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. Please watch over my loved ones, provide comfort to them and I pray that they will lean on you during this difficult time. Please give me your strength to face what lies ahead and let your will be done, Father. In Jesus name, amen.

Love,

Your child, Michelle

Dear Reader,

Thank you for taking the time to read my notes. It’s strange to think about who might read these someday, but writing them has helped me, and I hope it helps you as well. Life is unpredictable and difficult, but it's the connections we make that truly matter. Cherish those moments you have with loved ones. It’s not the destination that matters, but the journey to get there. Please don’t take those moments for granted.

With gratitude, your friend,

Michelle